Chieftess Brianna MacKenzie Age 18

Brianna had fled back to her home when the devil's deed was done at the Gathering at Castle Sween.  Her father and her brother were murdered by the Campbells and why, because The Alpine decided Brianna must wed the Campbell Chieftain!  Her cousin Jamie and what clan were with her at the gathering left as she would not give up what her father and brother died for.  She knew she was nothing but a trophy bride for the Campbell.

They were in the main Great Hall with all the other Clan Chiefs and their families.  Fealty to the Alpin was to be trothed and clan matters settled.  Long before all of this the Campbell had been warring against the Mackenzie because they wanted their lands and the sea village of Cruden Bay was critical.  It was a major shipping point and even the Vikings came there and treated the people fairly and did trade with them.  It was on one of the earlier visits that Brianna's mother, Legatha, a fair skinned, blonde haired Viking fell in love with the Chieftain of Clan Mackenzie, a dashing young warrior, Seamus Mackenzie.  These were her parents who were madly in love with each other.  They were blessed with the birth of two children, Hamish Mackenzie was the first-born and a fine son.   Brianna Mackenzie was born just one year later, and they were a happy family.  But there was always strife and war, and  Legatha foght beside her husband and son, and all three made sure that Brianna knew well how to fight with sword and shield.

Jamie Fraser was a 1st cousin, her father's sister's son, who was born the same year as Brianna.  The three children grew up close as if all were siblings.  Jamie was at the Gathering with the Clan.  He was the protective way that Brianna had escaped back to Slain Castle and the lands of the Mackenzie.

When Seamus Mackenzie was called up to the front throne of King Kenneth McAlpine along with Cormac Campbell and his son ??, who was 5 years Brianna's Elder.  He had two other wives, both dying tragic deaths and no heirs for the Campbells.  It was the McAlpin's wish for Brianna to be the third.  Her father and brother protested, and a battle ensued right then and there.  Brianna rushed to her father's side only in time to see ?? drive his dagger into Seamus Mackenzie's heart.  Her brother then turned on ??, only to feel the blade of ?? drive into his back and into his heart.  So before her very eyes, she saw both her father and her brother murdered over saving her.  Her mother had died only but a year ago of an illness.  Jamie rushed up and grabbed Brianna, and they were surrounded by Clan Mackenzie, Brianna shouted bitterly to the Campbell and the McAlpin "I will reek my revenge on you, I will mourn my dead then watch for me in the shadows for I will find you ?? Campbell.  This is far from over!" and then she was spirited away by her clan as they rode day and night for ... 'home'. The Campbells started after her to bring her back when the McAlpin ordered them not to.  "Give the lass her time to mourn, one year, then you shall approach her as an equal to discuss this union I have already sanctioned.  It WILL Happen!"

Now, Legatha  had raised her daughter in the ways of both the Norse gods and the Celtic gods.  She told her many times, as if she knew what was going to transpire, to seek her saviour from the North.  You will know him not, but grow to love him.  They will come from the North, my little bird, HE will come from the North and save you.